Treadmill Buying Guide

Know What You Want and Buy Smart!

treadmill guide When you are looking to buy a treadmill, all the research and comparisons can be a little overwhelming. Check the specification here, does it have this feature, will it be suitable for me, etc. You can pick up cheap treadmills for a couple hundred dollars to $6000. With the price range there’s obviously the quality and features difference.

So what’s the first thing you should do when deciding to buy a treadmill? Narrow down your treadmill based on your requirements. Are you looking to use it for walking, running or jogging? Maybe you want to do all three?

You also need to consider your weight and height.  Other factors you may want to think about are the functionality aspect of the treadmill. Do you require various programming features to aid you into getting fitter? The more programs a treadmill has, the higher the price will be.

Here are some simple steps to follow when purchasing a home treadmill (not set out in any order of importance).

Step 1 – What Do You Need It For?

It’s a simple question which needs to be answered. Not all treadmills are designed for serious running so purchase one that is, if you need it. Most cheap treadmills under $500-600 are designed for walking only. The deck, frame and belt of your treadmill needs to be strong to withstand running pressure, especially if you weigh more. Most treadmills for walking only have a single ply tread belt that is under sized for running. If you plan to run on your treadmill make sure you check out, the shock absorption the machine has. A treadmill that costs $1500-$1800 and above usually has a good shock absorption.

Step 2 – How Good Is The Motor?

A treadmills motor determines the overall performance of your home fitness machine. Depending on it’s power and quality it determines how your treadbelt performs. It’s the difference between a noisy treadmill and a smooth powerful exercise machine. Try buying treadmills that have a 2.0 HP  or above. An example of this is the Sole F85 treadmill that comes with a 3.5 HP motor.  Anything below means the motor will generally have inadequate power. Generally a  2.5 HP motor will be sufficient for home walking and jogging.

When looking at motor horsepower, make sure you go for continuous duty power. Continuous duty power gives out sustained power during regular use.

Step 3 – How To Determine The Belt Size?

Depending on what you plan to do with your treadmill, you will need to purchase one with the right belt size. Belt widths range between 16″ to 22″. Lengths range from 45″ to 62″. In my opinion go for 20″ width if you plan on using the treadmill primarily for walking. A 16″ belt is pretty much useless!  For jogging or running look for belt widths of 20″ and above. Here’s an example of a 20″ belt width treadmill.

For walking a 50″-54″ length treadmill is adequate. This does depend on your height. For jogging a 54″ and above is recommended. If you are looking to run or are fairly tall, a 58″ and above length is recommended.

Step 4 – Choosing A Treadbelt

When choosing a treadbelt, you want one that gives out low noise and performs well. A 2-ply belt and above will provide longer wear and surface padding. When you buy quality treadmills the belts will come pre-lubricated and waxed which means low maintenance for you. You will need to keep the treadmill clean from any dirt. Quality treadbelts have a longer manufacturer warranty. Try not to go for warranties less than a year, just so that you can avoid any problems in future. As mentioned before, keep the treadbelt clean, use a vacuum regularly.

Step 5  - Folding or Static Design

folding treadmillDecide on whether you want a folding or static design treadmill. It all depends on how much space you have and your preference. You can purchase good quality folding treadmills for around $1600. Recently the prices have dropped considerably and now decent folding treadmills can be purchased for around $1000.  For better stability, heavier weight and deck performance it is recommended you purchase a static design. Static decks are more durable because they do not have any hinge points between them.

Step 6  - Display Feature Options

When purchasing a treadmill there are many display feature options. You may become overwhelmed with too many options to think of. To simplify things, here are a list of  display options to look out for.

  • eKg heart rate control
  • should have pre-programmed workouts, go for 6 minimum
  • display should have speed, time, calories, distance and heart rate
  • LCD program display to show the progress of your workout
  • top speed of 10 m.p.h or more
  • 2.5 h.p. continuous duty motor
  • strong lift motor for inclining deck
  • 2 ply treadbelt

Step 7 – Get Large Rollers 

If you want a treadmill for walking or running and a long treadbelt life, large rollers are a must. Almost all commercial treadmills have large rollers. With large rollers, treadbelts can work with less tension. Large rollers preserve treadmill life, and give out a good overall performance.

Step 8 – Treadmill Budget

The price of a treadmill range from $250 – $6000. That’s quite a price difference!  Any treadmill under $500 will not have many of the features mentioned. The warranty will be short, the tread belts will have no durability, no heart control or display modules.

The best home treadmills will be priced at around the $1000 minimum-$3000 mark. You will get all the basic treadmill features for example, 6-10 programs, 1 year warranty, 2-3 h.p. continuous motor, power incline, power speed control, very good shock absorption etc.

If you decide to purchase anything above $2800, you are looking at health club level treadmills. You will be getting higher incline and speed levels, and 4 HP(horsepower) plus.

You need to establish what you really want in your home treadmill. Make a list of all the must haves. In the treadmill market especially, you get what you pay for, do keep this in mind.


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